Social Sciences at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

UTC's Social Sciences program earns just $28,194 in the first year—nearly $8,000 below the national median and landing in the 5th percentile nationally. That's a concerning gap for a degree that costs $26,375 in median debt. However, Tennessee context tells a different story: this program actually sits at the state median and ranks 60th percentile among Tennessee's three social sciences programs, suggesting the state's labor market simply pays less for these degrees overall.

Earnings do climb to $33,402 by year four, showing 19% growth, but graduates still start well behind peers at other institutions nationwide. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.94 means students owe nearly a full year's salary right out of school, making repayment challenging on entry-level pay. While the debt itself is close to national norms, it becomes problematic when paired with such low starting earnings.

If your child is committed to social sciences and staying in Tennessee, this program performs as well as others in-state. But the national comparison reveals the core issue: Tennessee social sciences graduates earn substantially less than their counterparts elsewhere. Unless your child has strong local ties or career plans where Tennessee wages are viable, the combination of below-average earnings and near-average debt creates a financially tight first few years that requires careful planning around loan repayment.